Man accused of shooting at deputies is home on bond while case is pending

By Vishal PersaudStaff writer

Published: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 2:41 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 6:54 p.m.

The Silver Springs Shores man accused of shooting at sheriff’s deputies last December has been released on bond from the Marion County Jail and is allowed to live with his wife pending resolution of his criminal case.

Richard P. Braccia, 50, posted a $350,000 bond on Feb. 8 and was released from jail. But only on Wednesday did he secure court permission to live at home with his wife, who is listed among the victims in the case.

In addition to some other conditions, Braccia is not allowed to possess any weapons while out on bond, according to court records.

Braccia is accused of shooting at three sheriff’s deputies who were called to his house to quell a domestic disturbance. He is charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer and battery on his wife.

Braccia reportedly held sheriff’s deputies in an hours-long standoff at his home on Juniper Course Trail. His wife had called 911 and said he had thrown her against a wall, according to a sheriff’s report.

Many of the home’s windows were shot out, and bullet holes were visible on a patrol car and a black truck in Braccia’s driveway, the report said.

Braccia’s wife testified at a hearing shortly after his arrest that his violent reaction was a result of mixing alcohol with several medications. She also has said she didn’t fear for her safety at the time she made the 911 call; she just feared for her husband’s well being.

Braccia said he was trying to defend himself against the deputies and never intentionally shot at them.

Braccia’s next court date is scheduled for June 26. Jury selection for his trial is scheduled to begin on July 15.

Contact Vishal Persaud at 867-4065, vishal.persaud@starbanner.com or on Twitter @vishalpersaud.

<p>The Silver Springs Shores man accused of shooting at sheriff's deputies last December has been released on bond from the Marion County Jail and is allowed to live with his wife pending resolution of his criminal case.</p><p>Richard P. Braccia, 50, posted a $350,000 bond on Feb. 8 and was released from jail. But only on Wednesday did he secure court permission to live at home with his wife, who is listed among the victims in the case.</p><p>In addition to some other conditions, Braccia is not allowed to possess any weapons while out on bond, according to court records.</p><p>Braccia is accused of shooting at three sheriff's deputies who were called to his house to quell a domestic disturbance. He is charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer and battery on his wife.</p><p>A fourth charge — tampering with witness and/or victim — was dropped on Jan. 2.</p><p>Braccia reportedly held sheriff's deputies in an hours-long standoff at his home on Juniper Course Trail. His wife had called 911 and said he had thrown her against a wall, according to a sheriff's report.</p><p>Many of the home's windows were shot out, and bullet holes were visible on a patrol car and a black truck in Braccia's driveway, the report said.</p><p>Braccia's wife testified at a hearing shortly after his arrest that his violent reaction was a result of mixing alcohol with several medications. She also has said she didn't fear for her safety at the time she made the 911 call; she just feared for her husband's well being.</p><p>Braccia said he was trying to defend himself against the deputies and never intentionally shot at them.</p><p>Braccia's next court date is scheduled for June 26. Jury selection for his trial is scheduled to begin on July 15.</p><p><i>Contact Vishal Persaud at 867-4065, vishal.persaud@starbanner.com or on Twitter @vishalpersaud.</i></p>